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Why Sam Cane was always the right man for the All Blacks captaincy
Sam Cane was always the right man to next lead the All Blacks. There isn’t a solid argument to be had against his appointment.
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It wasn’t Sam Whitelock, it wasn’t Beauden Barrett, and it wasn’t Ardie Savea. In the end, choosing Sam Cane is a justified decision from All Blacks coach Ian Foster and a good reward for the loose forward’s proven track record.
Almost out of nowhere, perhaps to generate some positive headlines in the backdrop of so much uncertainty about the state of the game, Ian Foster says it’s the respect of the dressing room which helped confirm his ‘gut-feel’ that Cane was the right man for the job.
The All Blacks coach has made the right decision and managed to win over his assistant coaches and top selector Grant Fox. It’s a decision that some of Cane’s rivals for the same role may be disappointed in, but not one that can be argued against.
Cane brings the ability to lead exceptionally well and this is perhaps the most valuable tool that the All Blacks will need heading into the next cycle. Cane has several years of playing time still ahead of him and knows full well the run through development, growth and succession management systems that the All Blacks have behind the scenes.
In fact, Cane has been a part of the All Blacks senior leadership for the past six years, during which time the side won a second consecutive Rugby World Cup in 2015.
His pedigree is undeniable. In many ways, Cane was groomed for this role, only he could make the decision to commit to it.
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Furthermore, Cane has never departed from the course at any moment. There was no stint in Japan, no talk of wanting to leave and play in the NRL on a podcast, and no moving of Super Rugby franchises.
Cane is as solid as they come and that’s exactly what the All Blacks tend to want out of their captains.
They want individuals who have immense physicality that sees them lead through actions on the field and not just words, and an even more immense sense of loyalty to every part of their game when representing New Zealand Rugby at all levels.
Cane also talks well with media and can articulate himself well, bringing a level of understanding to that part of the job that few others have the tolerance for.
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The only question Foster had to ask himself was if there was anyone else in the All Blacks with the pedigree to lead through the entirety of the next World Cup cycle.
Only one man ticked just as many of the boxes, that was Sam Whitelock. Both Cane and Whitelock have taken turns at leading the All Blacks during what was a shaky four years for Kieran Read.
Where Cane wins is in age and stability. How much did Whitelock deciding to go to Japan for a stint play on the mind of Ian Foster? If history shows us anything, probably a lot.
Much has also been made of where Cane is most likely to play for the All Blacks long term. Experiments at No.8 and No.6 have provided good results, and despite being benched for the 2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal against England, Cane is similar to fellow forward Dane Coles in that he provides serious bursts of physicality and agility late in games.
But as a starter, Cane has the ability to break the will of opposition at the breakdown, often turning over the ball when defending close to a try line to completely snuff out opposition momentum.
Position wise, there is a gap to fill at the back of the scrum, don’t be surprised if Cane becomes the long-term No. 8.
Add to that the grit Cane possesses, look no further than a devastating neck injury in 2018 for proof of that, but also a mind that anticipates moments on a rugby field which is matched by few.
These two aspects, coupled with a high level of maturity and respect, saw Cane catch the eye of All Blacks hierarchy very early on even before making his debut in the black jersey.
As for when Cane and the rest of the All Blacks will get time on the park, that’s the next big question.
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments